Poker players in Ontario, Canada, have reason to be hopeful as the province begins taking steps to support its casino and poker industry amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The provincial government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has extended a $500 million line of credit to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to help it weather the financial impact of the pandemic.
Keeping the Industry Afloat
Since March, when Ontario declared a state of emergency, all poker rooms and casinos across the province have been shut down. The newly approved credit will ensure that OLG remains financially stable, can meet contractual obligations, and support the long-term sustainability of gaming operations across Ontario.
In contrast to other regions where layoffs were widespread, OLG has kept approximately 17,600 people employed throughout the pandemic, a move that’s garnered praise from labor advocates and industry stakeholders alike.
Financial Impact and Recovery
Before the pandemic, OLG contributed $2.3 billion CAD annually to the provincial government. However, Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips previously warned that the contribution could shrink dramatically to around $800 million CAD for the 2020–2021 fiscal year due to pandemic-related shutdowns.
Online Poker Still Unavailable
While other provinces like British Columbia offer regulated online poker through platforms like PlayNow, Ontario does not currently provide a legal online poker option via its PlayOLG platform. This has driven many Ontario poker players to offshore poker sites, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and player protections.
The Live Poker Scene
Despite the lack of online options, live poker remains hugely popular in Ontario. Notably, Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls hosts the WPT Fallsview Poker Classic, a major stop on the World Poker Tour. The last event took place from February 16–23, just before the lockdowns began.
While OLG manages the gaming infrastructure, most Ontario casinos are privately operated. For example:
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Fallsview Casino Resort is operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment.
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Rideau Carleton Casino in Ottawa is currently being rebranded as Hard Rock Ottawa.
What’s Next?
The $500 million loan signals strong provincial support for Ontario’s casino industry. With this financial cushion, and as reopening plans continue to evolve, live poker players in Ontario may soon have a clearer timeline for when they can return to the tables.
